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Patient and Family Rehabilitation Resources - Helpful Hints

As you or your loved one consider a stay at a nursing facility, remembering the following tips can ease the way. A therapy session may occur daily Monday through Friday, or less often as indicated. There may also be times when a therapy session is held on the weekend. Typically there are one to three types of therapy involved, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. The timing and duration of each session is a topic you may wish to discuss with your therapist to make the best of your time in rehab.

When staying at a nursing facility for rehabilitation, it is helpful to have the following items available for comfort and safety:

Well fitting sneakers that may need to accommodate swelling or braces and therefore may need to be a different size from usual

Non slip socks

Plenty of undergarments

Comfortable, loose fitting pants such as sweat pants

Front closing sweater or sweatshirt

All clothing should be labeled

Be sure to bring in any splints, braces or orthotics that have been issued

Pictures of family and or pets can be comforting to look at and enjoy during quiet moments

Whatever snack that is enjoyed if allowed by the doctor- having a few treats in the bedside stand can be a real boost

Favorite toiletries such as lotion or make-up

Don’t forget to bring your enthusiasm and encouragement! Rehab can be hard work!

When it is time to go home, please be aware of the following suggestions to maximize safety in the home.

General Safety Hints

A medical alert system or routinely scheduled phone calls once or twice a day in case of problems

Be sure to get up slowly and have your balance before walking after you have been sitting or lying down

Wear low heeled shoes that fit properly

Clear the home of tripping hazards such as phone cords, electrical cords, scatter rugs or throw rugs and clutter

Use carpet tape to secure the edges of area rugs

Clean up spills promptly and avoid slippery wax on floors

If a walker, cane or rollator are used, be sure they are the correct height; have your therapist measure this before returning home

Be sure rooms are well lit with easy access to light switches

Avoid standing on chairs or step ladders

Do not smoke in bed and use extreme caution when smoking if alone in the house. Avoid smoking when tired or sleepy

Be sure smoke detectors have working batteries in them and are located on all levels of the home

Keep a fire extinguisher handy near sources of flames

Handrails on steps need to be sturdy and ideally located on both sides of all stairways

Have telephones easily accessible with frequently dialed numbers and emergency numbers either programmed into the phone or easily visible next to the phone

Bathroom Safety Hints

Use a nightlight(s) to illuminate the path to the bathroom and the bathroom itself

Use non-slip materials on the floor of the bath tub

Be sure to use all recommended bath aides such as grab bars and seats or benches

Use hand rails or raised toilet seats to make toilet transfers safer and easier

Mark the hot and cold water faucets clearly and have the hot water heater no hotter than 120ºF

Make sure door locks can be opened from both sides

Avoid bathing when alone in the home

Kitchen Safety Hints

Be sure appliances are in good working order with dials well marked

Use automatic shut off appliances when possible

Have kitchen area well lit

Keep floors clean with easy access to all areas and items used

Keep sharp items in a safe rack or block

Store heavy or frequently used items on counter tops to save energy and improve safety

Keep cleaning items separate from food items

Rotate food regularly and be sure to use before expiration dates

Avoid loose fitting clothes/sleeves when cooking, tie back long hair for safety

Bedroom Safety Hints

Be sure all walkways are clear of clutter and tripping hazards

Use a bedside lamp

Have a telephone easily accessible from the bed in case of an emergency

Keep all bedspreads/ blankets off of the floor to avoid tripping

Medication Safety Hints

Routinely review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist, especially when taking a new medicine

Clearly label all medicines

Be sure to read each medicine label in good lighting to ensure correct dose

Properly dispose of all unused or old medicines

Do not take another person’s prescription drugs

Use caution and check with your doctor or pharmacist about mixing your medications with alcohol

Use a clearly marked pill sorter box to ensure proper doses are taken routinely and accurately

Notify your doctor or pharmacist about any non-prescription drugs, supplements or vitamins/ herbal remedies you may be taking to avoid negative interactions